9.30.2015

Rage's Echo by J.S. Bailey (Goodreads Author)

Rage's EchoRage's Echo by J.S. Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a perfect read for this time of year! I love ghost stories, and it's been a long time since I've read one.

Basically, a young woman (Jessica) who fancies herself a paranormal investigator, is asked to check out and see if a church's graveyard is haunted. It turns out that not only is it haunted, but she can speak to the ghost, and he follows her home against her wishes. From there, the story gets not just creepy and spooky, but it also becomes quite scary. There is also some seriousness woven through the story, but it's not so heavy that you'll feel it weigh the story down. The seriousness is what I think will give you something to think about after finishing the book, at least it has felt that way for me.

The writing is good, and I will definitely read more from Bailey, she is a fantastic story-teller. This would make a great book club read!

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8.31.2015

If I Speak True (Flora, #1) by Jessica L. Brooks (Goodreads Author), Angel Clark (narrator)

If I Speak True (Flora, #1)If I Speak True by Jessica L. Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book very much! I have to be honest, if it had not been an audiobook, I do not know if I would have liked it as well. Angel Clark was the narrator for this book, and she was simply perfect! I would never have "heard" Dahlia's voice in my head as Angel used, and that would have made the book quite different for me.

The story is about a teenage girl who dreams of her own little oasis, somewhere she can relax and think. She only visits there in her dreams, because it only exists there. Then, one day everything changes when a boy named Rowen makes himself known.

Where it goes from there is truly engaging, and well written. Jessica Brooks can write! I am so grateful that Jessica gave me a copy to listen to and review, because I would never have found this book otherwise. Angel does the voice of a 16 year old girl and her friends perfectly. I wouldn't change a thing! Please, PLEASE have Angel narrate the next books in the series. I've got to know what happens next!

Disclosure: I received the audible copy in return for an honest review.

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8.22.2015

Botanicaust by Tam Linsey (Goodreads Author), Meghan Kelly (Goodreads Author) (Narrator)

BotanicaustBotanicaust by Tam Linsey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was very interesting. It had a scifi/post apocalyptic thing going on, which I enjoyed very much. I was happily enthralled with the story until the final 1/4 of the book when it turned into a scary religious debate. This killed the end of the book for me. A little bit might have been fine, and fitting, but it took over the story in the end. This is why I gave this 4 out of 5 stars. The writing was good, and the story in general was fantastic.

Narrated by Meghan Kelly: Ms. Kelly did an awesome job! Her voices were appropriate, distinct, and consistent. I would absolutely listen to her again.

Disclosure: I received the audible copy in return for an honest review.

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8.13.2015

The Magpies by Mark Edwards (Goodreads Author), Elliot Hill (Narrator)

The MagpiesThe Magpies by Mark Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A couple buys a flat, meets their neighbors, and hangs with them. Everything seems fine, they all get along... don'they? Apparently not. Read The Magpies and you'll find out why.

I'm not sure how to review this novel. In the end, I liked it. It was getting to the end that was unusual for me. I am used to horror/thriller novels that are in your face, obviously some stuff is about to go down, type of feeling. The Magpies is more of a slow build, but you're not entirely sure of what is building, and therefore unsure of where the story might go.

I think this is intentional since the novel is based on the personal experience of the author. Now that you know this, you're curious aren't you? I hope so, give it a go.

Elliot Hill (Narrator): Mr. Hill has a wonderful voice, and did a superb job with his narration. His voices were spot on.

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8.10.2015

As Night Falls by Jenny Milchman (Goodreads Author), Susie Berneis (Narrator)

As Night FallsAs Night Falls by Jenny Milchman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Intense is the first word that comes to mind when I think about this book. I liked the story, it's one that has been told before. The difference with this story is that there is more as to the why it's happening, and not just a focus on the current situation.

For me, while it was excellent writing and amazing storytelling, the back story just pissed me off! So much so, that it made it hard to want to continue. Of course I pushed forward, because I just HAD to know what was going to happen.

Narrated by Susie Berneis: She did a wonderful job with the voices, and easily had me into the story right away. She was perfect for this novel.

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7.30.2015

The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1) by J.R. Ward (Goodreads Author), Alexander Cendese (Narrator)

The Bourbon Kings (The Bourbon Kings, #1)The Bourbon Kings by J.R. Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! The story read like Dallas, or Knots Landing. So much happening, and I couldn't stop reading. This is not normally they type of book I read, but I trust J.R. Ward, and was willing to give this a try. No disappointment here!

The narrator, Alexander Cendese, has a perfect southern gentleman voice. If you are not sure which version to get, I highly recommend the audiobook.

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7.27.2015

Wicked Gods by Eilís Leyne

Wicked GodsWicked Gods by Eilís Leyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"It’s about the ways people abuse religion, not about the question of God’s existence."
- Eilís Leyne

I enjoyed this book immensely! This book reminds me of The DaVinci Code, by Dan Brown. Not in the way of topic, but in the way of a thriller with a purpose. This book forces us to ask ourselves questions about what we believe, why we believe it, and how we believe it. It’s the how that gives this book the fuel it needs to take us on an adult version of Mr. Toads Wild Ride, and lead us to some insanely scary truths about society and its motivations.

I found this novel by randomly clicking on an article on Facebook, then another article from that page, and then another click or two that brought me to a site with this novel mentioned on it. I was intrigued by its description, and, well, here we are.

Something that I especially liked about this novel by Eilís Leyne is that I was drawn in, and held there. When I stopped reading to give my eyes a break, I watched the clock and wondered if sufficient time had passed and my eyes were ready to continue. I also appreciated the use of words that were unfamiliar to me. I learned new words, and they were words that fit perfectly as opposed to words that were obviously found through use of a thesaurus.


Don't pass this book by because you think it's bashing religions, it's not. Not at all. Don't believe me? Then read it.

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